‘The Ride of Life’ takes gold at Pro Art Challenge in Beaver Creek

The Pro Art Challenge took place last week in Beaver Creek, beginning at the same time the cyclists started their journey from Aspen to the stage finish line in Beaver Creek. After the competition began, 11 artists had until the first biker crossed the finish line in Beaver Creek to work on their pieces, which was approximately three and a half hours. The pieces needed to incorporate biking in some way and the theme was “The world is our stage.”

First prize was awarded to local artist Shen, who created a 30-inch-by-40-inch mixed media painting called “The Ride of Life,” chosen by a Beaver Creek committee for a monument that will be displayed permanently in Beaver Creek. Shen also created a poster for the Minturn Sprint Stage and won the Official 2012 USA Pro Challenge Poster Contest for Beaver Creek. That poster was used on VIP badges, posters and T-shirts.

“(The painting) became the face of the race finish in Beaver Creek this year, which created a buzz for me signing posters all day,” Shen said.

Second place went to Barton Gunderson, and third place to Julian Banks. Each artist received a cash prize and part of the proceeds of the paintings that sold went to charity.

This weekend, Shen will paint live at the Jazz Tent at Vail Square Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons in Lionshead. More of Shen’s work may be viewed at http://www.ShenStudio.com.